Benicia in Solano County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Clock Tower

Built in 1859

By Syd Whittle, February 20, 2009

1. Clock Tower Marker

Inscription. The first stone fortress in the far west. Originally had two towers, but following an accidental explosure in 1912, it was rebuilt with only one tower and the present clock was installed. Buring the building’s history, it has served as a chapel, munitions depot, and as a National Guard Armory.

Location. 38° 2.767′ N, 122° 7.935′ W. Marker is in Benicia, California, in Solano County. Marker can be reached from Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker and site are located at the top of the hill. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1189 Washington Street, Benicia CA 94510, United States of America.

Additional comments. 1. The Clock Tower FortressConstructed in 1859, the Clock Tower Fortress is one of the largest and most important of the early Benicia Arsenal structures. The fortified storehouse had gunports aimed up the Suisun Bay and down the Carquinez Straits. In 1912, the third floor was destroyed by explosions and fire and the building altered to a two story structure. Later, the City of Benicia adapted the building for community use by adding a kitchen and other support facilities.Source: Office of Historic Preservation – State of California.

2. The Clock Tower Fortress (1859)The first U.S.military bastion and storehouse constructed in California. Built of sandstone quarried from surrounding hills, it commanded Carquinez Strait amd was designed to protect the post from Indian attacks. Today the building serves as a community center and is open to the public during scheduled functions.Source: Historic Benicia Walking Tour brochure

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on February 21, 2009, by Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California. This page has been viewed 1,812 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 21, 2009, by Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California.